The squirrel whisperer

Students in my college courses can attest to my habit of using unusual examples to illustrate concepts during class. One of my favorites?

Squirrels

It began innocently enough. A student asked a question, and as I was trying to think of a good analogy, I spied a squirrel outside the classroom window.

So I went there.

And I liked where it went. Now future classes have heard me use the squirrel in various analogies ever since. Yes, they give me strange looks at first. But they eventually come around…or, I like to think so.

Not actual robosquirrel used (but wouldn’t it be awesome??)

Which is why I greeted the story of the ‘robosquirrel,’ a biology project at San Diego State University focused on predator/prey interaction, with much affection.

I know it has gained national attention because of its $325,000 price tag, and its funding from the National Science Foundation, and ultimately, taxpayer dollars.

I’m not here to debate all that.

I just want to say, to any of my former students who may be reading this blog…